Mike Wood, Cruiser Captain of Greenwich Yacht Club, invites us to join the annual Frostbite Race from Greenwich YC to Erith YC on Sat 23 March and back again on the following day. This is a well-established open event. For an entry form, sailing instructions etc please email Mike at cruiser@greenwichyachtclub.co.uk or visit http://www.greenwichyachtclub.co.uk/activities/racing/open-racing-forms/category/frostbite
Wayfarer Southern Areas at Medway YC
© Richard Janulewicz / www.sharkbait.org.uk
Note the main around the Island race this year is on SUNDAY 9 September. Full details at www.iossc.org.uk/islandrace
Photo Victoria Katherine Wright
With 17 entries received so far from 6 different clubs this event will no doubt be highly competitive. The event will comprise a series of thirteen races with a maximum of four races to be sailed each day, races will be run over in windward/leeward courses apart from a single distance race which will will be run on one day. In addition to some great racing a number of social events will be open to all MYC members. Read more…
The Swale Regatta is this weekend with races on Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning. More details on Swale Regatta website.
Four boats from Hoo Ness YC made it to the Nore Race and Lodestar (a classic Stella sailed by Mark and Helen Montgomery-Smith) won its class. See Benfleet YC website for the full provisional results. Winds were lighter and some of the slower boats struggled against the strong ebb.
There will be a briefing in the Rochester Cruising Club clubhouse on Wednesday 20 June at 20.30 for all those participating. If you have put your name down to take a councillor please make a special effort to attend.
Ian Foster, Admiral’s Cruise Coordinator
T: 01622 735882
M: 07710 704151
E: ia.foster@btinternet.com
The flotilla rounding the Montgomery wreck on Day Two. Photos and article by Fred Trice.
Once a year, rain or shine, a very mixed group of Medway leisure craft led by local fishing boats, accompanied by police RIBs and sometimes the Sheerness lifeboat, makes its way up and down the Medway. Held over two days on an early summer weekend, the flotilla Beats the Bounds of the Rochester Oyster & Floating Fishery.
ROFF, a very ancient organisation indeed, can trace its roots back to a charter granted by Henry III to the City of Rochester and another by Henry VI giving the local fishermen rights to harvest fish and oysters from the river. The charter was given further weight in 1729 when George II passed an Act of Parliament allowing management of the river to be organised and policed by ROFF.
Day One
The Admiral’s Court in Rochester Guildhall
Each year, Saturday starts early with the Mayor, as Admiral of The River, holding court in the Rochester Guildhall, listening to reports from the Chamberlain of the Fishery, as to how the year has gone. The health of the fishery is noted; poaching has been a problem in the past.
The Beadle leads the procession. Can you spot the local MP who is also MSBA Patron?
After the court the Mayor led by the Beadle makes his way round the corner to Rochester Cruising Club where a boat has been allocated as his Barge for the Day.
Hawkwood Stone, the upstream limit for the Rochester Oyster & Floating Fishery
The flotilla then heads upstream to the upper limit of the fishery with members of the great and good aboard. Then it’s back down the river for refreshments.
Day Two
Once again the fleet sets off following the ROFF fishing boats, this time heading downstream, frequently picking up vessels from some of the clubs and marinas as we pass. It is traditional that we fire a cannon at all the various clubs we pass and they answer in the same manner.
The historic tug Touchstone laying a wreath over the wreck of HMS Bulwark
First “hove to” is the war grave of HMS Bulwark where a vessel is stationed for a wreath laying with local sea scouts and piper aboard. Then it’s off out past Garrision Point, sometimes with a water display from the Sheerness tugs and on to the SS Richard Montgomery
One of the Sheerness tugs saluting the Admiral with fire hoses
Again a “hove to” for a wreath laying and the Last Post before returning into Queenborough at the invitation of the Mayor of Queenborough and his good lady. Over 70 boats have been known to attend.
The annual Swale Smack & Sailing Barge match is probably the most prestigious traditional boat event on the East Coast, and has been running since 1972. It is open to all Thames barges, smacks, bawleys and gaff rigged craft as well as classic Bermudian rigged vessels, small open boat gaff and lugsail dinghies are also welcome.
Prizegiving is at Hollowshore in the evening and is a lively and convivial evening with live music, hog roast, burger van and bar.
For full details contact: Match Secretary Lena Reekie. Email: lenareekie(at)talktalk.net, phone: 07968 058398, website: www.kentishsail.org
Photo Lee Marriot
Isle of Sheppey Sailing Club will be hosting the world famous Round the Island Race, a true “tick in the box of life” for leisure and professional sailors. This year the event is open to all types of “non mechanical” vessels including windsurfers, rowers and stand-up paddleboards as well as dinghies and catamarans. Estimated number of entries: 50 – 100 boats.
UPDATE: Phone number for the race will be 01795 663052 and will be on channel 37 Call sign Shepp.